What Is the “Great Commission”?

Hello, I have been reading about your article on being saved…I was saved many years ago but i found it has taken several years to really grasp this…many mistakes but you are right about being accepted by him…God has picked me up and put me back on my feet many times…never have given up on me and I have grown in my love for him over the years…He is truly amazing! I would like to know how you approach the Great Commission? Should believers be out on the streets witnessing nonstop like some teach or? Thank you, TS

“Afterward He appeared to the Eleven as they reclined. And He reproached their unbelief and hardness of heart, because they did not believe those who had seen Him after He had risen. And He said to them, Go into all the world, proclaim the Gospel to all the creation” (Mark 16:14-15 MKJV).

Anyone taking these words as a personal commandment to go out witnessing on the streets “nonstop” is being presumptuous.

“And how shall they preach unless they are sent?” (Romans 10:15 MKJV)

“Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles?” (1 Corinthians 12:29 ESV)

Being sent as an apostle or minister of Christ isn’t something a person can assume by reading the Scriptures. They must be separated by the Lord for the specific task He has called them to:

“While they were worshiping the Lord and fasting, the Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul for the work to which I have called them’” (Acts 13:2 ESV).

Men take the Lord’s Name upon themselves and do whatever they want or think is right whenever they choose, but the Lord puts His Name upon those whom He chooses and they do whatever He wills in His timing. Those who are His and take up the cross will know the difference between what is of man and what is of God.

Let us know if this helps, Tracey. (We are writing to the wife of Robert? We can only guess by the signature. Another thing to consider is that the Lord doesn’t assign women to ministries such as apostles and evangelists.)